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Record Highs Persist for Book Bans and Attempts, with ‘Sold’ Leading the List

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Record Highs Persist for Book Bans and Attempts, with ‘Sold’ Leading the List

NEW YORK (AP) — The American Library Association (ALA) reports that attempts to ban books in libraries remain exceedingly high, with a noticeable increase in organized and politically-driven efforts.

On Monday, the ALA unveiled its annual list spotlighting the most challenged books in U.S. libraries, as part of its State of America’s Libraries Report. Leading the 2025 list is Patricia McCormick’s “Sold,” a 2006 narrative centered around sex trafficking in India. Other frequently challenged titles include Stephen Chbosky’s teen-centric novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer,” and Sarah J. Maas’ popular romantasy “Empire of Storms.”

This year, the ALA’s list extends to 11 books instead of the usual 10, with a four-way tie for eighth place among Anthony Burgess’ dystopian work “A Clockwork Orange,” Ellen Hopkins’ family drama “Identical,” John Green’s coming-of-age story “Looking for Alaska,” and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s supernatural romance “Storm and Fury.”

Reasons for these challenges vary, including themes relating to LGBTQ+ issues (“Gender Queer,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”), depictions of sexual violence (“Sold” and “A Clockwork Orange”), and portrayals of substance use (“Looking for Alaska”). The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented challenges to 4,235 different books, a number only surpassed by the 4,240 challenges recorded in 2023, marking a notable milestone in their over 30-year history of tracking such incidents.

The ALA defines a challenge as an attempt to remove or restrict access to library resources based on objections from individuals or groups. The latest list coincides with National Library Week, which continues through April 25.

“Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” ALA President Sam Helmick said in a statement. “As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”

The ALA compiles its survey through media accounts and submissions from libraries. The actual numbers are likely much higher because many incidents are never reported, the association acknowledges.

For decades, challenges to a given book came from a parent or another member of a local community. But in recent years, the ALA has found, the trend has shifted sharply to government officials and such conservative activists as Moms for Liberty, who advocate “parental choice” in deciding what schools and libraries should make available.

Florida, Texas and Utah are among the many states that have called for books to be banned or passed restrictive legislation. In Iowa, an appellate court ruled earlier this month that the state can enforce a law that limits teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ topics with students in kindergarten through the sixth grade and bans some books.

Last year, more than 90% of challenges arose from activists and government officials, according to the ALA, compared to 72% in 2024.

“In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts,” Sarah Lamdan, executive director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said in a statement. “They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign.”

“I think this reflects the reality that these lists are getting disseminated widely,” Lamdan said. “You can see video footage from various library board meetings where the same books are singled out over and over again.”

The ALA’s list of the most challenged books of 2025

1. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick

2. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

3. “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe

4. “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas

5. (tie) “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo

5. (tie) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins

7. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

8. (tie) “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess

8. (tie) “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins

8. (tie) “Looking for Alaska” by John Green

8. (tie) “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Five Individuals, Including Students, Injured in Shooting Near University of Iowa

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Five Individuals, Including Students, Injured in Shooting Near University of Iowa


(NEXSTAR) — In a troubling incident near the University of Iowa, five individuals, including students, sustained injuries from a shooting that unfolded late at night. Authorities are currently seeking to interview several persons of interest in connection with the event.

In the early hours of Sunday, Iowa City police received a call about a significant altercation occurring on East College Street, close to the university campus. Upon their arrival, officers were met with the sound of gunshots, as reported by Nexstar’s affiliate, WHO.

The Iowa City Public Safety department has confirmed the identification of five individuals who were shot. As of 10 a.m. on Sunday, one victim’s condition is critical, while the others are reported to be stable.

“It is with a heavy heart that I address you today,” wrote University of Iowa President Barb Wilson in a community letter, revealing that three of those injured are students at the university.

Further details regarding the victims have not been disclosed at this time.

The university’s police department said that, so far, “there are no indications any university students were the intended victims.”

“This is a difficult moment for our community. We will get through it together by caring for one another and by holding close what it means to be part of this community,” Wilson added.

The university issued a security alert shortly after the shooting, advising students to avoid the area. That warning remains as the investigation continues.

“There is no known ongoing threat associated with this incident and there is no further information at this time,” Iowa City Public Safety said. No arrests have been made, authorities noted.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, in a post to X on Sunday, called the shooting a “senseless act of violence” that “has devastated the university community and our state.”

Investigators are now looking to identify multiple persons of interest seen on surveillance video who may be connected to the shooting.

Champaign Park District Welcomes Community to Celebrate Prairie Farm’s Seasonal Opening

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Champaign Park District Welcomes Community to Celebrate Prairie Farm’s Seasonal Opening


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With the arrival of warmer weather, Champaign’s Prairie Farm is welcoming visitors to explore the great outdoors alongside some adorable animal companions.

The farm officially opened its doors on Saturday, and staff members noted a significant influx of eager visitors.

This season, guests can look forward to meeting an array of animals, including pigs, goats, and horses. Best of all, the farm offers this delightful experience at no cost.

Iran Undecided on Joining Upcoming US Peace Talks Round

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Iran Undecided on Joining Upcoming US Peace Talks Round

On Monday, Iran announced that it remains undecided about participating in the upcoming peace talks with the United States scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The Iranian government accused the U.S. of breaching the ceasefire agreement by confiscating its Touska cargo ship, intensifying tensions between the two nations.

Previously, on Sunday, Iran expressed its reluctance to engage in further negotiations, attributing its stance to what it termed as Washington’s “excessive demands.” However, a more cautious tone was struck by Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, who indicated that no final decision had been taken.

“At this moment, we have no plans for the next round of talks, and no decision has been reached on this matter,” Baqaei conveyed to reporters later in the day, as reported by the Tasnim News Agency.

Baqaei accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire, labeling the seizure of the vessel as an “act of aggression.” He criticized Washington for displaying “bad faith” towards Iran, accusing the U.S. of twice undermining diplomacy and committing acts that infringed on Iran’s sovereignty.

He claimed Iran had faced “bad faith” from the US, claiming Washington had betrayed diplomacy twice and carried out attacks against Iranian sovereignty.

“Iran will make the necessary decisions about the future path with careful consideration of its national interests,” Baqaei said.

The Touska ship was seized in the Gulf of Oman when it tried to break past the Navy’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

A CENTCOM video shared online by Reuters’ chief national security reporter showed the US Navy ship warning those aboard the Iranian cargo ship to vacate its engine room before firing multiple blasts.

“Motor vessel Touska, motor vessel Touska, vacate your engine room, vacate your engine room. We are prepared to subject you to disabling fire,” a Marine can be heard saying before the ship’s horn blows and blasts go off.

US negotiators are working to secure a peace deal before the fragile 10-day ceasefire expires Wednesday.

Vice President Vance is heading to Pakistan, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son in law, Jared Kushner, with the hope of striking a deal.

US negotiators held talks in Islamabad for 21 hours earlier this month, but no peace deal was reached.

Vance said a no-deal outcome was “bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America.”

President Trump warned US forces may “have to start dropping bombs again” if there is no agreement as reported by NewsNation.

“But I think it’s going to happen,” he said.

Trump has repeated his threats to wipe out Iran’s energy infrastructure and bridges if no deal is reached.

“They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the deal, it will be my honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents for the last 47 years,” Trump wrote.

“IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed his country is fighting a defensive war against the US and Israel.

“We are pacifists and what we are doing is legitimate self-defense,” he said, according to Press TV.

Businesses Eligible for Refunds on Unconstitutional Tariffs as Claims Open Monday Following Supreme Court Ruling

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Businesses Eligible for Refunds on Unconstitutional Tariffs as Claims Open Monday Following Supreme Court Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that former President Donald Trump imposed certain tariffs without proper constitutional authority. In response, a new refund system is set to roll out on Monday to reimburse businesses that paid these tariffs.

Beginning at 8 a.m., importers and their brokers can start filing for refunds through an online portal managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency in charge of this initiative.

This marks the initial phase of a complex process that could eventually result in refunds for consumers who were indirectly charged these tariffs on products imported into the United States.

Businesses are required to submit declarations detailing the goods on which they paid billions in taxes that the court has now invalidated. Once a claim is approved, U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates a refund timeline of 60 to 90 days.

The government plans to handle refunds in stages, prioritizing more recent payments. However, various technical and procedural hurdles could delay the processing of these claims, meaning any refunds businesses intend to pass on to consumers might be distributed gradually.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court on Feb. 20 found that Trump usurped Congress’ tax-setting role last April when he set new import tax rates on products from almost every other country, citing the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency that warranted his invoking of a 1977 emergency powers law.

Although the court majority did not address refunds in its ruling, a judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade determined last month that companies subjected to IEEPA tariffs were entitled to money back.

Not all taxed imports immediately eligible

Customs and Border Protection said in court filings that over 330,000 importers paid a total of about $166 billion on over 53 million shipments.

Not all of those orders qualify for the first phase of the refund system’s rollout, which is limited to cases in which tariffs were estimated but not finalized or within 80 days of a final accounting.

To receive refunds, importers have to register for the CPB’s electronic payment system. As of April 14, 56,497 importers had completed registration and were eligible for refunds totaling $127 billion, including interest, the agency said.

System requires accuracy

Meghann Supino, a partner at Ice Miller, said the law firm has advised clients to carefully list in their declarations all of the document numbers for forms that went to CBP to describe imported goods and their value.

“If there is an entry on that file that does not qualify, it may cause the entire entry to be rejected or that line item might be rejected by Customs,” she said.

Supino thinks the portal going live will require composure as well as diligence.

“Like any electronic online program that goes live with a lot of interest, I would expect that there might be some hiccups with the program on Monday,” she said. “So we continue to ask everyone to be patient, because we think that patience will pay off.”

Nghi Huynh, the partner-in-charge of transfer pricing at accounting and consulting firm Armanino, said most companies claiming refunds will have imported a mix of items, and not all will qualify right away.

“It’s about having a clear process in place and keeping track of what’s been submitted and what’s been paid, so nothing falls through the cracks,” she said. “Each file can include thousands of entries, but accuracy is critical, as submissions can be rejected if formatting or data is incorrect.”

Patience with the process

Small businesses have eagerly awaited the chance to apply for refunds. Brad Jackson, co-founder of After Action Cigars in Rochester, Minnesota, said he starting compiling records and preparing to enter information into the system the minute CPB announced the launch date.

The company imports cigars and accessories from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Last year, it paid $34,000 in tariffs and absorbed much of the cost instead of raising customer prices, Jackson said.

Last spring, he had a two-week delay in a shipment due to a missing document, so he is being more careful with refund documents, he said.

“My main concern is the turnaround time,” Jackson said. “A refund process that takes several months to complete doesn’t solve the cash flow problem that it is supposed to fix.”

Will consumers see refunds?

Tariffs are paid by importers, and some companies pass on the tax costs to consumers via higher prices.

The system starting up Monday will refund tariffs directly to the businesses that paid them, which are not obligated to share the proceeds with customers. However, class-action lawsuits that aim to force companies, ranging from Costco to Ray-Ban maker Essilor Luxottica, to reimburse shoppers are winding their way through the U.S. legal system.

Individuals may be more likely to receive refunds from delivery companies like FedEx and UPS, which collected tariffs on imports directly from consumers. FedEx has said it would return tariff refunds to customers when it receives them from the CPB.

“Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our top priority,” FedEx said in a statement. “We are working with our customers as CBP begins processing refunds and plan to begin filing claims on April 20.”

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Barry Cable Acquitted in Controversial Child Abuse Case Amidst Ongoing Legal Drama

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Barry Cable Acquitted in Controversial Child Abuse Case Amidst Ongoing Legal Drama

In a significant court ruling, former football star Barry Cable has been acquitted of multiple historical child sexual abuse charges. The 82-year-old faced these serious allegations in a judge-only trial, which scrutinized claims dating back to the late 1960s.

The accusations centered around an alleged incident involving a young girl, approximately eight or nine years old at the time, who was reportedly abused while staying at Cable’s family residence. During this period, she was living with Cable and his wife, Helen, for about a month.

The former Australian Rules player returned to the Western Australian District Court in Perth today for Judge Michael Bowden’s verdict more than a month after the trial ended.
Barry Cable. (AAP / Aaron Bunch)

Prosecutors argued that Cable had taken advantage of the girl’s vulnerable situation while she was under his care. In her testimony, the alleged victim recounted that Cable initially showed her kindness.

“He was loving towards me like an uncle,” she testified in March. “Then things changed,” she added, describing a shift that led to the accusations.

“He was loving towards me like an uncle … then things changed,” she said while giving evidence in March.

“He started touching my body.”

The abuse allegedly involved penetrative sex on multiple occasions when the former North Melbourne player’s wife was asleep.

The woman reported the alleged abuse to police in 2023 when she spotted Cable on television, telling the court during the trial that it had “brought back memories of what he had done to me”.

All told, Cable denied five counts of indecent dealing with a girl aged under 13 and two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 13 between December 31, 1966 and December 31, 1969.

A civil trial in the same court in 2023 found Cable abused a girl over five years from 1968 when she was aged 12.

The victim was awarded $818,700 in damages.

The civil trial judge said there was compelling evidence the former footballer had violated other children.

Cable, who repeatedly attempted to have the civil case proceedings permanently thrown out and did not attend the trial, denied the abuse.

He was later stripped of his Australian Football Hall of Fame honours following an illustrious playing career in the 1960s and ’70s for Perth and East Perth in the WAFL and North Melbourne in the VFL, going on to coach in both leagues.

He has been dumped from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and the West Australian Football Commission revoked the former champion’s Hall of Fame membership, including his Legend status.

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Tiger Woods’ Eager Comeback: Inside His Determined Plans to Rejoin the Golfing World

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Tiger Woods’ Eager Comeback: Inside His Determined Plans to Rejoin the Golfing World

Tiger Woods remains hopeful about making a comeback to professional golf despite the recent turmoil surrounding his DUI arrest, which sent shockwaves through the sports community.

The 50-year-old golfing icon found himself in legal trouble on March 27 after he lost control of his SUV while attempting a high-speed maneuver to overtake a truck and trailer on the exclusive roads of Jupiter Island. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered two pills in his possession.

Woods faces charges of driving under the influence, causing property damage, and refusing to comply with a lawful test. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on May 5 to address these charges.

Currently, Woods is reportedly in Zurich, Switzerland, where he is seeking professional treatment following the incident. Sources close to the situation informed the Daily Mail that Woods is making promising strides after undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

Amidst his recovery journey, there is buzz from a ‘golf insider’ who indicates that Woods is eager to return to the sport he loves once he completes his rehab. This determination signals his unwavering commitment to rekindling his illustrious golf career.

Speaking to People, the source said: ‘He knows he needs to beat his issues and also deal with the pain from not only playing golf but also from his regular fitness schedule.

Tiger Woods has not given up on his hopes of returning to golf despite his shock DUI arrest

Tiger Woods has not given up on his hopes of returning to golf despite his shock DUI arrest

The latest saga is the fourth time Woods has got himself in trouble behind the wheel of a car

The latest saga is the fourth time Woods has got himself in trouble behind the wheel of a car 

‘People around him are supporting him, both personally and professionally. All of this is helping him deal with it enough to get through it.’ 

Meanwhile, another source told the same outlet that Woods ‘still has golf in him’, despite the concerning incident that unfolded in Jupiter Island, Florida.

‘He just wants to get better in all areas of his life,’ the source revealed to the outlet.

As Woods continues his road to recovery, girlfriend Vanessa Trump is said to be in full ‘support’ of the golf legend. 

Another source, again speaking to People, revealed: ‘Tiger needed to do intensive therapy, and his girlfriend Vanessa has been in favor of it.

‘She still supports this and supports him. She loves him and knows that private treatment was necessary.’

They further claimed that the couple have a ‘strong bond’ and it was never in doubt that she would be there to support him on his road to recovery.

‘Vanessa suffered through some rough spots but has always been on his side even when she worried about him and softly mentioned that,’ they added.

Vanessa Trump is in full 'support' of Woods, 50, as he continues his treatment and rehab

Vanessa Trump is in full ‘support’ of Woods, 50, as he continues his treatment and rehab

Woods rolled his car near his Jupiter Island home in March, his fourth incident involving a car

Woods rolled his car near his Jupiter Island home in March, his fourth incident involving a car

Meanwhile, a source close to the 50-year-old recently revealed to the Daily Mail that Woods is showing encouraging signs after undergoing ‘intense treatment’ in rehab.

‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,’ the source told the Daily Mail. ‘He calls or Zooms a small number of people: Vanessa, his kids, Mark Steinberg.

‘He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing.’

Woods has been in a relationship for around 18 months with Vanessa, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

There had been speculation that their relationship could be on the rocks after his arrest, but Vanessa rubbished that talk by throwing her support behind Woods on Instagram.

A week after his arrest, she shared a loved-up photo of them together on Instagram and wrote: ‘Love you’. 

Woods had flirted with a stunning Masters comeback prior to his arrest, although the possibility of it coming to fruition was always extremely unlikely. 

‘Tiger paid casual attention to the Masters, but is more focused on recovery,’ the source added. ‘He’s getting both physical and psychological attention.

Woods stands alongside his Range Rover SUV after clambering out of the passenger side

Woods stands alongside his Range Rover SUV after clambering out of the passenger side

Woods previously revealed that he was battling to make it to the Masters, prior to his crash

Woods previously revealed that he was battling to make it to the Masters, prior to his crash 

‘It’s a 90-day program but he’s able to leave whenever he wants.’

Meanwhile, shortly before his DUI arrest, Woods had reiterated that he was battling to play at Augusta as he made his long-awaited return to golf at the finals of TGL.

‘I’ve been trying. It’s just this body doesn’t recover like when I was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying – I’ve been trying for a while,’ Woods admitted at the time.

‘I’ve had a couple of back injuries the past year that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying.

‘I want to play, I’ve loved the tournament, I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. So it’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years and I’m going to be there either way.’

The latest saga is the fourth time that Woods has been in trouble after being behind the wheel of a car.

He was arrested for another DUI in 2017 after police found him slumped in his car in Florida with five drugs in his system, including two painkillers.

Woods was later involved in a similar crash in 2021 in California, which shattered his right leg after he was trapped under the vehicle. He needed multiple surgeries in order to recover from his injuries.

Woods, 50, was detained on March 27 after flipping his SUV in Jupiter Island, Florida

Woods, 50, was detained on March 27 after flipping his SUV in Jupiter Island, Florida

He also crashed into a fire hydrant in November 2009 as he tried to flee his Florida home after wife Elin Nordegren discovered he had been having an affair. It sparked an unraveling of his reputation that he has never truly recovered from.

Although he passed a breathalyzer test at the scene of the crash, officers said he was traveling at ‘high speeds’ and ‘showed signs of impairment’ when he rolled his SUV last month, including ‘bloodshot and glassy’ eyes with ‘extremely dilated pupils.’

A deputy found two white pills on Woods, which have since been identified as the opioid hydrocodone. He later refused to take a urine test resulting in his arrest and has since pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge.

In bodycam footage, the five-time Masters winner told police that he was ‘hoping to’ play in the Masters – but that it ‘depends on y’all.’

Mass Shooting in Iowa City Leaves 5 Injured, Including University Students

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Mass Shooting in Iowa City Leaves 5 Injured, Including University Students


In the early hours of Sunday, Iowa City Police responded to reports of a large altercation near the University of Iowa campus and encountered gunfire upon their arrival.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A shooting incident overnight in Iowa City left five individuals injured, including three University of Iowa students, according to school officials. The university communicated these details to students, faculty, and staff in a message sent out on Sunday morning.

Authorities were initially called to the scene around 1:45 a.m. Central Time due to reports of a significant fight. Upon arrival, officers heard gunshots, leading to a swift response. Five people were subsequently transported to the hospital for medical care.

As of the latest update from Iowa City Public Safety at 10 a.m. Central Time, one person is in critical condition while the remaining four are in stable condition.

One person was listed in critical condition and four others were considered stable, Iowa City Public Safety shared in an updated news release issued at 10 a.m. Central. 

No arrests have been made, but police said there is no ongoing threat.

Iowa City Public Safety released photos of potential persons of interest and asked the public to contact them if they recognized any of the individuals. 

The University of Iowa issued a “Hawk alert” around 1:50 a.m. Central to warn the school community about reports of a shooting and at least one person injured at the Medical Education Building. The alert, which has since expired, urged people to “remain vigilant” and avoid the area.

School President Barb Wilson shared resources to help navigate this “difficult moment for our community” in a letter addressing the situation.

“While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them,” Wilson wrote. “I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in our community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now,” signing off with “love for all Hawkeyes.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement, saying she and her husband, Kevin, were praying for the victims and their families. She also pledged the “full resources of the state” to help in the investigation. 

“This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state,” Reynolds said.

An investigation is underway, and a $1,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest in the case, according to the Iowa City Police Department. 

This story is developing and may be updated. 

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Shines in Chic Heidi Dress at T in The Park Day 2

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Sophie Ellis-Bextor Shines in Chic Heidi Dress at T in The Park Day 2

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who received critical acclaim for her previous album “Wanderlust,” seems to have drawn inspiration from its Germanic undertones for her current fashion choices.

The 35-year-old singer, also a mother of three, graced the stage during the second day of the T in the Park festival in Kinross, Scotland. She donned a vibrant red outfit reminiscent of Heidi, as if she had just descended from the Alps.

Following her performance, Sophie took to Twitter to express her excitement, writing, “Lovely T in the park,” alongside sharing a photo of herself on stage, gazing over the vast crowd of thousands.

Headlining day two of the T in The Park event in Kinross, Scotland, the 35-year-old mother of three took to the stage in a red Heidi-like outfit which could have been fresh from the Alps.

‘Lovely T in the park’ Sophie wrote on her Twitter after her performance also posting a photo of herself on stage looking out at the huge audience of thousands.

Scroll down for video

Ready to party: Sophie Ellis-Bextor strikes a pose on stage during T in the Park

Ready to party: Sophie Ellis-Bextor strikes a pose on stage during T in the Park

Wanderlust: Sophie was evoking her latest album title in her clothes for the day

Wanderlust: Sophie was evoking her latest album title in her clothes for the day

Wanderlust: Sophie was evoking her latest album title in her clothes for the day

Stepping back: Sophie shows off the tattoo on he arm which says 'family'

Stepping back: Sophie shows off the tattoo on he arm which says ‘family’

Glowing: Sophie gives the crowd a mix of her hits and her new material

Glowing: Sophie gives the crowd a mix of her hits and her new material

This one's for you: Sophie points to the crowd as she grooves her way through her set

This one’s for you: Sophie points to the crowd as she grooves her way through her set

Despite a heavy sprinkling of rain, music fans came out on day two of T in The Park to enjoy a true mix of music styles and acts.

Tens of thousands of music fans also got to see big name acts including Calvin Harris and Paolo Nutini perform.

Revellers swapped their sunglasses for waterproofs and wellies as rain fell over Balado in Kinross-shire during the afternoon.

Ready for the big time: Kiezsa shows the stuff that has her being tagged as 'the new Madonna'

Ready for the big time: Kiezsa shows the stuff that has her being tagged as ‘the new Madonna’

Not hiding away: Canadian singer Kiezsa shows her style at T in the Park

Not hiding away: Canadian singer Kiezsa shows her style at T in the Park

Not hiding away: Canadian singer Kiezsa shows her style at T in the Park

Organisers described the opening day atmosphere of the weekend-long event as ‘tremendous’ as the crowds said farewell to the site after 18 years of hosting the festival.

Kiesza, The Stranglers, Katy B and Scottish band Twin Atlantic also performed on the main stage, with Calvin Harris bringing the party to a close at the end of the evening.

Biffy Clyro headlined the first day, with performances from Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding also seeing the crowds party in glorious sunshine.

There was no mistaking who was on stage when it was Katy B time

There was no mistaking who was on stage when it was Katy B time

Getting her tartan on: Katy B wore a T-shirt with a hint of Scottish tartan print on it

Getting her tartan on: Katy B wore a T-shirt with a hint of Scottish tartan print on it

Elbow, Bombay Bicycle Club, John Newman, the Human League and the 1975 also performed on Saturday, day two, for the crowd of up to 85,000.

Police said crime levels remained low, with 22 people arrested since the camp site opened on Thursday, mostly for petty crime and minor drugs offences.

The stage will be packed up at Balado on Sunday for the final time after Arctic Monkeys perform as the festival moves to the Strathallan Castle estate in Perthshire next year.

Rocking out: Twin Atlantic give it their all at the T in the Park festival

Rocking out: Twin Atlantic give it their all at the T in the Park festival

Other performers over the weekend include the headliners of T in the Park’s first year in Kinross-shire – the Charlatans and Paul Weller.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: ‘It’s been wonderful, the whole event’s gone really really well. Glorious sunshine on Thursday and Friday for campers getting set up on dry ground, today light drizzle but nothing we can’t cope with.

Name in lights: Ella Eyre gives it her all on stage in Kinross, Scotland

Name in lights: Ella Eyre gives it her all on stage in Kinross, Scotland

Name in lights: Ella Eyre gives it her all on stage in Kinross, Scotland

‘Yesterday Biffy Clyro really rocked it. It’s always been their dream to play or headline T in the Park, and now they’ve played 10 times. That’s a record, nobody else has ever done that, and they really blew everybody away last night, a fantastic show.‘

‘Today Paolo Nutini, Calvin Harris, Elbow, Rudimental, Pharrell Williams – a fantastic line-up and topping off tomorrow with Paul Weller, Jake Bugg, Bastille, and finishing up with the Arctic Monkeys.’

He added: ‘We’re waving bye-bye to Balado, and it’ll be sad to leave because it’s served us well for 18 years. It’s been a good, practical site.‘

Golden era: The Stranglers returned to the stage in fine form to play their many hits

Golden era: The Stranglers returned to the stage in fine form to play their many hits

Golden era: The Stranglers returned to the stage in fine form to play their many hits

Raindance: festivalgoers wear their wet-weather gear for the afternoon

Raindance: festivalgoers wear their wet-weather gear for the afternoon

Emergency ponchos at the ready: the crowd stay warm as the day's entertainment heats up on stage

Emergency ponchos at the ready: the crowd stay warm as the day’s entertainment heats up on stage

‘Where we’re going to at Strathallan Castle, it’s a beautiful country estate, so a very different site to here, but still with some big open fields for the main arenas.

‘It will maybe have more of a boutique feel because you’re not seeing the whole site from any one place, so it’ll be like a voyage of discovery through the tree-lined avenues.’

Also spotted enjoying day two at the event was Susan Boyle who came along to watch 90s hitmakers James as they took to the stage to perform some of their classic tunes.

Looking on: Susan Boyle didn't perform on the day but watched as James were performing

Looking on: Susan Boyle didn’t perform on the day but watched as James were performing

Crowd-pleaser: Susan smiled and waved to the crowd as she watched the show

Crowd-pleaser: Susan smiled and waved to the crowd as she watched the show

Crowd-pleaser: Susan smiled and waved to the crowd as she watched the show

Pleasantly Cool and Breezy Conditions Expected This Week Amid Rising Fire Risk

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Pleasantly Cool and Breezy Conditions Expected This Week Amid Rising Fire Risk


ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida began the week with a noticeable shift in weather as a cold front swept through the area early Monday. This front ushered in a spell of cooler, drier, and breezy conditions expected to persist for much of the week. While many will appreciate the refreshing change, these conditions are likely to create choppy sea conditions and elevate the risk of wildfires.

In the wake of the front, residents can anticipate brisk winds blowing from the north to northeast throughout the day. These winds will average between 15 to 20 mph, with occasional gusts reaching speeds of 25 to 30 mph.

The skies will remain predominantly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to more comfortable levels, ranging from the upper 70s to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

As night falls, temperatures are expected to dip further, settling into the upper 50s to approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

BEACH HAZARDS

At the beaches and on the water, conditions are turning dangerous. Strong onshore winds will create rough surf and a high risk of rip currents. Boating conditions will also be hazardous with seas between 4-7 feet.

FIRE DANGER

Fire weather is becoming a growing concern for the start of the week. A Red Flag Warning is in effect Monday for Marion County, with a Fire Weather Watch in place for Tuesday across portions of the area. This is due to a combination of strong, gusty winds, low relative humidity, and very dry fuels, which can allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly.

THIS WEEK

Through midweek, high pressure builds in, bringing drier air and more stable conditions. It will stay breezy Tuesday, with northeast winds gradually easing later in the week. Rain chances remain very low, though a few brief onshore-moving showers can’t be ruled out by Wednesday or Thursday.

Temperatures will run closer to seasonal norms through Thursday, with highs in the upper 70s along the coast and low 80s inland.

WEEKEND

By Friday and into the weekend, a warming trend returns, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 80s and even approaching 90 degrees for inland neighborhoods.

Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
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